The demand for cybersecurity professionals around the globe is greater than ever before, but the number of employees who are seeking out careers in the field is simply not keeping pace. As of July 2023, ISC2 reports that the global skills gap sits at 3.4 million workers, which includes at least 777,000 open positions in the United States alone. That number is likely to increase as cyberattacks continue to grow daily. The reasons for this are multi-faceted. They include a lack of access to affordable cybersecurity education, a lack of diversity, equity and inclusion across the industry, and unrealistic expectations from potential employers. I believe it’s time to start talking about the many benefits that a career in the cybersecurity industry can hold. Here are three reasons why workers should consider upskilling to a new career in the field.
Job Security and Opportunities for Career Advancement are Great
The cybersecurity field is teeming with career opportunities and will likely continue to grow as cyberthreats evolve and become more sophisticated. This demand is not confined to any one sector but spans across industries, governments and organizations of all sizes. From healthcare to finance and multinational corporations to local businesses, skilled cybersecurity experts are indispensable in fortifying networks against the relentless tide of cyberattacks. That means that workers can easily transfer their skills from one role to another and quickly find re-employment within the field. Professionals who start out in entry-level roles can also quickly advance into more specialized positions as they progress in their careers with the help of government-grade cybersecurity training programs. These programs aim to equip individuals with the knowledge and skills required to combat evolving cyber threats effectively, emphasizing hands-on, job-ready training. Graduates are not only well-versed in theory but also equipped to tackle real-world cybersecurity challenges. As a result, the cybersecurity field not only offers diverse career opportunities but also a clear pathway for individuals to continuously advance their expertise.
Lucrative Salaries are Prominent Across the Industry
The increasing demand for cybersecurity professionals has led to a significant rise in compensation and benefits within the field. Organizations recognize the critical role that cybersecurity plays in their operations and are willing to invest in attracting top talent. Reskilling to work in cybersecurity can lead to a substantial increase in earning potential. Individuals who invest the time and effort to acquire the necessary skills can position themselves for well-paying roles that offer financial stability and security. The average cybersecurity salary in the United States in 2023 is $120,000 annually, with entry-level positions starting at as much as $92,783. Furthermore, the continuous evolution of technology guarantees that the need for cybersecurity professionals will persist, ensuring a stable job market and the potential for long-term career growth. The cyber industry has also been making great strides in recent years when it comes to diversity, equity and inclusion. Specifically, there are new programs available providing opportunities for individuals from underrepresented communities, including veterans of the U.S. military, to gain the knowledge and training they need to enter the field. Adding candidates from more diverse backgrounds to their cyber teams allows organizations to combat threats more effectively.
The Opportunity for Life-Long Learning
In addition to financial rewards, the cybersecurity field offers a dynamic and intellectually stimulating environment. Education, regardless of how you choose to acquire it, is a well-established pathway to success. The ever-changing nature of cyberthreats requires that professionals stay up-to-date on the latest developments, constantly learn new techniques, and adapt to emerging challenges. This ongoing learning process ensures that those working in cybersecurity remain engaged and intellectually challenged throughout their careers. Reskilling programs also offer a number of benefits for professionals seeking to gain new knowledge and certifications. Modern educational opportunities such as cybersecurity boot camps and specialized training programs allow for this to be done in a cost-effective and time-efficient manner.
The surge in cyberthreats and the critical role of security professionals in safeguarding networks makes reskilling for a career in this field an attractive option for workers of all backgrounds. The industry not only provides an opportunity to directly contribute to the protection of digital assets but also values diverse skill sets and offers lucrative compensation packages. With the demand for skilled cybersecurity professionals projected to continue growing, reskilling represents a strategic pathway for workers to enter a field with abundant job opportunities and the potential for long-term career advancement. As technology continues to reshape the world, those who choose to reskill to cybersecurity will play a pivotal role in securing the digital world.
